Tonight we were sitting together and chatting with Mom. She told us that yesterday the air conditioner went out at work so it was hot and stuffy and she was afraid to go in today.

She should have stayed home with us then ‘cuz we had cold air in the house.

You’re interrupting again, Steinbeck. She said when she got to the office it was kind of cool but it was real wet. She said all the papers felt damp She said it was like being in a swimming pool locker room.

I know I wouldn’t like swimming pools ‘cuz I hate baths!!! Did Mom feel like she was taking a bath.

Of course not.

Mom, we love it when we can have these chats.

(I’m amazed I was actually able to get a picture of you with your eyes open, Little One.)

Mom, did you tell Steinbeck about your niece?

What’s a niece? Is it like catnip?

No, Steinbeck. A niece is not food or treats. It’s Mom’s brother’s daughter. You know her. She comes over here and pets you.

Oh, now I’m on the right page. What about her?

This is a picture of her when she was a little girl. She’s sitting on Cinder. You never met Cinder. She was old when I came here but she and I were best buddies. Anyway, Mom’s niece got her first job as a licensed RN today. She’s going to work in a hospital where Mom has had to go before.